Scottish Rules for Smoke Alarms

There is no list of approved suppliers or installers. You can purchase both types of alarms online or in-store from a number of retailers, and any qualified electrician can install the type of AC cable. Our how-to video explains everything you need to do to make sure you comply with Scotland`s new legislation. It contains information about the alarms you need and where they should be installed. If you live in a 2-storey 3-bedroom house, you will need 3 smoke detectors and a heat detector. You may also need carbon monoxide alarms. More information on Scottish smoke and co-alarm regulations If you are installing a mains powered system instead of sealed battery alarms, it may be necessary to obtain planning permission from your local auditor before work begins. For example, if your property is a one- or two-story home, mains-powered alarms do not require a building permit, but the installation must comply with building codes. For more information on the building standards system and how to obtain a building permit, see the building standards customer journey. If in doubt, contact your local building standards department.

All homeowners are responsible for ensuring that their property has an interconnected fire and smoke alarm system. But new smoke detection and fire alarm rules are now in force in Scotland, meaning many homeowners across the country will need to check whether their existing smoke detection system is interconnected or needs an upgrade. www.gov.scot/publications/fire-and-smoke-alarms-in-scottish-homes/ smoke detectors work by detecting smoke particles. Heat alarms work by detecting very high temperatures. Heat detectors are less sensitive than smoke detectors and are recommended if there is a risk of false smoke alarms due to open fireplaces or cooking accidents, for example if you could burn food. The number of fire and smoke detectors required varies depending on the size of the property. However, in order to comply with the legislation, every dwelling in Scotland must now have the following: The Scottish Government has provided £1 million in funding to the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) over the period 2018-2020 to install these alarms in the homes of people identified as particularly at risk of fire during a fire safety visit. Smoke detectors are essential for any home. They must be combined with heat alarms, ideal for kitchens. You should have a carbon monoxide alarm if you have heating or cooking appliances that run on gas, coal, wood or oil. If special alarms are needed – for example for systems for the deaf or telecare – they must be installed in addition to smoke, heat and carbon monoxide detectors. The best place for a smoke detector is on the ceiling.

Try to keep them 30 cm (12 inches) away from walls, lights, doors, heating or air conditioning. Under the new law, a smoke alarm must now be installed in every home in the room most commonly used for general daytime residential purposes, as well as another smoke alarm in every traffic area on each floor, such as hallways and platforms. Interconnected smoke and heat detectors must be installed in addition to all Telecare smoke and heat detectors to ensure your safety. If you have installed or plan to install chain smoke and heat alarms, please do not remove your Telecare smoke, heat or carbon monoxide detectors. The Scottish Government estimated it would cost around £220 to accommodate the required number of battery alarms sealed in a three-bedroom house. It is based on three interconnected smoke detectors, a heat detector and a carbon monoxide alarm. Under the new rules, all homeowners must now ensure that proper smoke alarms are properly installed on their properties. Scotland is the first country in the UK to legislate to ensure that all owner-occupied and socially rented homes have interconnected smoke detectors. In 2020-2021, 44 people died in Scotland as a result of house fires, and it is hoped that the new legislation will help reduce fatalities and improve fire safety in homes. Concerns were raised about the availability of interconnected alarms and the number of households that have not yet completed the work.

Councils across Scotland will be required by law to monitor homes for compliance with the new smoke detector regulations. If you use battery alarms, they must be tamper-proof and have durable lithium batteries that can last up to 10 years. You may be able to install these types of alarms yourself and you don`t need an electrician. In addition to the interconnected smoke and heat detectors and carbon monoxide alarm, special alarms must be installed, for example if you are deaf or have a telecare system. Do not remove existing telecare alarms.